World Cup 2014: Steven Gerrard says Harry Redknapp should talk
England captain Steven Gerrard has called on Harry Redknapp to name names after he claimed
players tried to avoid international duty
when he was in charge at Tottenham.
QPR boss Redknapp
told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme:
"They'd come to me 10 days before the game and say 'gaffer get me out of the game. I don't want to play in it'."
Gerrard, speaking as England prepare to play their final World Cup game against Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte, said: "I'll tell you what - I'd be interested to find out who those players are.
"If Harry is making a comment like that he should name them and embarrass them. No-one in this group wants to go home - no-one."
Redknapp was giving his thoughts on the national team following England's elimination from the 2014 Fifa World Cup after just two group games.
Gerrard, who stressed he had spoken to Jermain Defoe and said that the former Spurs striker was "devastated" not to be at the World Cup, said: "Should Harry not name them? If he's not naming them I can't answer. If it's the case it's disgusting.
"For me, if a player doesn't want to be here, he doesn't deserve to be here at a World Cup.
"Who? Name them. I don't know who he means. Five years ago? Ten years ago?"
“In the two years I've been here, I've seen a greater interest in playing for England, so Harry's comments come as a bit of a surprise to me”Roy Hodgson
Redknapp, who
managed Tottenham
between 2008 and 2012, insists he told the players they should want
to represent England. But Gerrard was clearly infuriated by suggestions
some had actively tried to avoid England duty.
The 34-year-old Liverpool midfielder, who won his 113th
cap in Thursday's 2-1 defeat by Uruguay, said: "I can understand why
you have asked the question with Harry Redknapp being a big coach in the
game but we need names.
"I can guarantee you that it's not the case here in this squad.
"When you go down into the younger age groups, they're younger lads and might not want to be away from their families. But when you're picked at this level and find any excuse not to be here, you don't deserve to be here."
England manager Roy Hodgson said: "In the two years I've been here, I've seen a greater interest in playing for England, so Harry's comments come as a bit of a surprise to me.
"If you make comments like that, you have to name them."
Earlier Gerrard had said he was "hurting and broken" following England's exit. He said he needed time to consider whether to continue his international career.
Steven Gerrard is only two appearances short of David Beckham's outfield record of 115 caps
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